Thoughts.. – Rockland NY Mom

Musicianship- A Lesson well Learned

Posted on July 8, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Opportunities, Out and about..., Photography, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Thoughts.. .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

As you well know, (A) has been taking drum lessons with the New City School of Music for 4 years now. He has blossomed into a great, versatile drummer. He has been a full remote student since COVID hit, and we were so excited to report last month that in person performances are back. Despite being able to learn online, and participate in virtual performances as well as performing for NYSSMA this spring, he has really missed having opportunities to showcase his talents live. As mentioned in my previous article he has two opportunities upcoming to do so.

The first was an outdoor recital this past weekend. These organized performances (which happen twice a year) are free of charge to parents, family members and friends to attend. Sam and the music school staff were able to book Zukor Park, and get the mobile bandstand stage for the students to perform on. The usual performance space is indoors, and although it’s awesome, this was a really nice opportunity. He hasn’t played live outdoors yet. As a musician it can pose a whole new set of obstacles to overcome.

Having been away from the scene for a year and a half, he was understandably nervous. He was in the last group of the day (NCSM breaks performers into groups so you don’t have to be there all day, although you could if you wanted to) and when we arrived we learned that he was closing out the whole performance! Super cool, especially since he always chooses something fun and upbeat. I brought my good camera to snap some pics, intended for this article.

When it was his turn, (A) got settled on stage and arranged the kit the way he likes it and the music started. He had difficulty hearing the music and missed his entrance. For most kids, especially those with little experience it would have totally thrown them off. For a moment I didn’t dare breathe, afraid that he might become embarrassed, stop, I am not even sure what I was afraid of. I underestimated him. He simply listened, counted and jumped in. You would never know.

At the end is where he really shocked me. He was feeling it, and proud, he knew he overcame a huge moment. He finished the song and threw his hands and sticks up in celebration. All in attendance cheered and I snapped a quick (mediocre) photo.

He then came off stage and his sister so proud of him, threw herself around him in congratulations. I missed it. Know who didn’t miss it? The professional photographer that NCSM hired to take photos of the day, (Latham Photography) at no charge to us students. He captured all of it, and super well. Two days after the performance we received our complimentary link to download the edited photos and I was floored. Below are HIS photos of this awesome event.

Did I mention they even went around and took family photos? Here’s our group <3

Needless to say, I am one happy momma. (A) has shown so much growth even in adversity, overcame a little blip in his first live performance in a year and a half, entertained the crowd and has set a new standard for his next performance. Which will be at the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME in Cleveland Ohio in August, another amazing opportunity afforded us by The New City School of Music. I look forward to reporting back and updating you all on that experience as well. <3

If you are interested in hearing more about The New City School of Music and what they have to offer, give them a call. We as always appreciate you mentioning you heard it here. Their current promotion is as follows:

It’s not too late to sign up for music lessons! *** July Music Special *** Get Free Registration and your 1st thirty minute lesson FREE if you enroll by July 6th!

Fight the Summer boredom and let’s make some music! Enroll by 8/1 and get Free Registration and your 1st thirty minute lesson FREE!

We teach Drum, Guitar, Piano, Violin, Voice, and Woodwinds to students of all ages. In person lessons ARE available! It’s super easy to sign up–just call/text us 845-499-2137 or send us an email at office@newcitymusicschool.com.

Take the Trip…

Posted on January 22, 2020 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Health and Wellness, Money Momma, Opportunities, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Self Care, Services, Things to Do!, Thoughts.., Travel .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

A little while ago, I posted about how I am done giving gifts of “things” and am moving toward gifts of time and experience. I am about to turn 40. I don’t only believe in time and experience for others, I do for myself too. I’ve always dreamed of traveling, especially to Europe, but everywhere. For one reason or another it just hasn’t happened. Well with 40 knocking on my door I decided to do something about it.

EDIT TO ADD: I wrote and was supposed to post this article early fall, but I am kind of glad that I didn’t. Due to normal “Life” situations, I am more glad than ever that we got a chance to do Disney this year as well as to have taken this trip myself. I do not know when the next time I will be able to take the family on a trip or go myself might be able to happen. Those who know me know that I am not exaggerating, my new advice…..When you have the chance, Do it. I intend to try to figure out how to continue to travel, and bring the family along, but its going to take a whole lot more work now.

Due to unforeseen circumstances RNYD was not available to travel (which is cool anyway cause he’s much more of a home body), so I begged my bestie Michelle to come with me. I gave her a list of places on my bucket list and let her choose. I also wanted to hit up a cruise if possible because I have never done one. She was game, and she choose Greece. Perfect for a cruise, and really one of my top two trips.

We picked a cruise and booked it, since it left and returned to Rome and neither of us knew when we would be back, we decided to take 2 days to explore there as well.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

I will never book a trip with a travel agent other than Scott Walters (sorry dudes say what you will, he’s bailed me out 2x now).
Cruises are great because you don’t have to pack up your stuff every day to move, you have a home base.
You can make friends on cruises, which is neat for when you are done sightseeing for the day you can meet for dinner/drinks/dancing later.
Get the drink package (just saying)
Try all the different foods
Clarks are the best sandals ever (and yes you can find some that don’t look like your grandmothers shoes).
Greece is REALLY HOT in the summer so May or September may be better.
I AM OBSESSED WITH TRAVEL.

At each of the islands we went to Scott sent us 2-3 excursions that he thought we would like based on our “profiles” and we chose 1-2 for each. The tours that we took were so complete that I actually don’t think we missed anything, BUT we didn’t have tons of time so it was more like a taste test, I may have a list of places that I’d like to get back to if I ever check off my list the other trips I want to take.

Travel Agent Extraordinaire Scott Walters helped me out immensely on this trip, and I am so grateful. I have just reached out to him again, about a possible trip for 2021, that I would like to start saving for. I am so excited, and hopeful that we can make it happen despite our challenges. He’s been super helpful in understanding and helping us with the physical needs of our family, and I am hoping that his expert advise will help us to be able to make the trip happen for our whole family.

cott Walters (845) 558-1225

scott@goawayoftentravel.com

http://www.goawayoftentravel.com

A full service travel agent specializing in family vacations to amazing destinations. From simple weekend getaways to multi generational once in a lifetime bucket list filling journeys, Go Away Often Travel can get you there. It’s YOUR VACATION, let me do the work! Worth noting here that I always thought I couldn’t afford a travel agent. Turns out that you don’ t pay one, they are paid by the people they book your trip with. The few times I have reached out to him to see if he should be consulted about a trip and he couldn’t help me with a deal, he encouraged me to book on my own to save the money.

Why I’m Moving Away From Giving “Things”

Posted on June 17, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, RNYM's Picks, Thoughts.. .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Like so many other parents I am OVERWHELMED. I have to much STUFF in my house. Not stuff that I purchased. Most of it is gifts, purchased lovingly for my children, my spouse or myself by family members who mean well. But kids are SO fickle and the trends change so quickly its breaking my heart to continually go through and donate or toss all of these wonderful things. Don’t get me wrong, they are wonderful and we are so appreciative.

We’ve cut back ourselves with the Christmas 5 Gift Challenge, but am now expanding it to Birthdays and Anniversaries, and even to the gifting of people outside of the family and here’s why:

My kids are AWESOME, and yours are too. I mean I am REALLY REALLY enjoying them. It took our unbelievable trip to Disney this past winter to solidify that for me. Now I am working with Scott Walters to plan a short trip over the summer with them, and cannot wait to plan our next big one. Know why? ‘Cause they are getting older every day, and this stage won’t last and I want to enjoy every second, and enrich their lives. I want to travel with them, I want to learn with them, I want to smile with them and here’s how I plan to.

Typical toy gifts are going to turn into gifts of experience. Get to know people’s kids and learn what they love. Big into sports? There are affordable options for that. Same for Art, Dinosaurs, Music, Theater, all of it. For Christmas this year we got the kids tickets to see Kiss at MSG. WHY? Because (E) fell in love with Scooby Doo Kiss, and (A) has loved the songs Black Diamond and Beth for years. Its also their “farewell” tour, no time like the present. For our 15th wedding anniversary this year instead of gifting items to one another RNYD and I are taking the kids to a water park, cause as a couple, they are our greatest accomplishments.

Need Ideas? Happy to provide them, send us a message (and no they aren’t all sponsored, just trying to be helpful). What’s an amazing side effect of this new trend? For so many of the ones that you can do as gifts for birthdays of friends also puts money back into the small businesses in your community. You can purchase an experience for a friend for the same $20-25 you spend on a Barbie or Lego set and the child gets to “DO” something.

I am aware that this means that it might be more demanding on the parents of recipients, demanding of their time and energy, so of course take that into consideration when you go this way. If you are choosing something on a specific date, be sure to check with them first, but gift certificates somewhere that they will enjoy are generally great because you can do it when you get a chance.

You can also check to see if the child is saving up for something special. For Christmas many of our family members sent the kids Disney Gift Cards so that they could purchase some special items while we were there. I had one friend who’s daughter desperately wanted to purchase an American Girl Doll that was “Truly Me”. They are expensive, so she was saving. I was MORE than happy to purchase a gift card to the store for her to reach her goal. When she received the doll, she sent us an amazing video thanking us for helping her reach that goal. LOVED that idea.

BUT TELLING PEOPLE WHAT YOU WANT IS RUDE– Yeah I know, so if its important to you, ask people, what are they into? Ask if it would be ok. Get to know them. Maybe even plan the day so that your child and theirs can go together and enjoy the experience. If you are asked, be honest, help them out, and help yourself out (less clutter, less cleaning).

Ok Ok so I am talking a lot, but what are my ideas?

Locally there are so many fun places you can get experiences-

Birthday Party Level:

Sparkle Up, Matisse Chocolatier, Create Space, Jills Ceramics, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Legoland NY (coming soon), The Castle, Nickel O Farms, Sky Zone, High Exposure, Palisades Climb, Rye Playland, Land of Make Believe, Turtle Back Zoo, Girl Again Westchester, Renaissance Faire, Movie Tickets, Book signing opportunities (so many in northern jersey), Maybe Equipment they need for an activity.

Bigger Ticket:

Bronx Zoo (new dino exhibit too), Westchester Broadway Theatre, Liberty Science Center, Museum of Natural History, Trolls Experience, Tickets to a live show (paw patrol, Jurassic World, Disney on Ice, Marvel Live), Tickets to go snow tubing, Midieval Times,

Largest Ticket (obviously meant for family or for you to give your children):

Broadway Show, Concert tickets, American Girl Store, Waterpark, Lessons/Activities, Camps (or parts of camps), Weekend Getaway, Diggerland, Hershey Park, Gift Certificate for a Photo Shoot (yes, my photographers said some tweens and teens are asking for them- see our directory).

This of course is yet another opportunity for writing in our books “The Adventures of the Johnston Clan” and was partially the inspiration for our #RNYMBucketList for the spring and summer. I am trying to encourage writing for journaling, for fun with the kids. So much of their writing time in school is so regimented (it has to be I know and understand that), but they need to know that it can be enjoyable too. I mean their mother is a part time Blogger.

Some of these items don’t even cost money, just your time. Put down your devices and enjoy each other, make a memory, remember how much you enjoy one another. I know I plan to.

New Holiday Tradition

Posted on November 1, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Thoughts.., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

I LOVE taking my kids to fun places and experiences!!! SO much so that last year we made it a part of our 5 Christmas Gifts (want, need, wear, read, DO). We have had such a fun time that we added that to other gift times, special trips or adventures for (A)’s communion, and for the kids’ birthdays.

One of the issues with such fun is that pretty much EVERY place you go makes you exit through a gift shop. Smart planning on the part of the event, but often a nightmare for parents. My newest suggestion is that you plan in advance with your children either a budget, or small item that they collect. So either “you have $5 to spend” or collect pencils, magnets, pins etc.

In this fashion, I’ve started our own tradition. When we go places my kids know that USUALLY we aren’t going to purchase souvenirs, as the memory and the experience is enough. This year though I’ve started breaking my own rule. When the kids aren’t looking I purchase a Christmas Ornament.

My plan: Our elf Marvin usually brings things, “Missions” for the kids to do during the month leading up to Christmas.

Missions include: Donate new toys, decorate the house for Christmas, go through your old toys and send them back to Santa, adopt a needy child or family and go shopping for them, watch a movie (on dvd), read a Christmas themed book, play a board game, make cookies and co co, go look at Christmas lights, even tickets to a Santa Breakfast (like our RNYM one). This year he’s also going to bring an ornament every few days and ask them to sit down and reflect upon the great time we had. This will facilitate more family conversation, bring up the great things we’ve done together, and also fill our tree with more than just any ornaments. These ornaments will represent the memories we have made together, and some day, my kids will want to start their own trees, taking with them their favorite ornaments, that represent our famous adventures.

Ornaments range from 9-$20 depending on where you are but will last a lifetime and spark conversation yearly while we decorate the tree together. I’ll let you know how it goes, but I am beyond excited to see what they think <3

Something to Read- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on November 28, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, RNYM's Picks, Thoughts.., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own. Links included are affiliate links.

Something to Read poses a real issue. Although there are kids (and adults like myself) who love to receive books as gifts, they are pretty few and far between. Let’s face it though, for the kids its a necessary part of life. We as parents are constantly reminded to read to with, or listen to them on a daily basis, and for good reason.

(A) is really a good reader now, but doesn’t really do it for “fun” yet. He has learned that it is the key to accessing information and reads his LEGO and Lacrosse magazines, but not “books”. RNYD and I are looking to change that. Any teacher, reading expert, or child will tell you that the key to getting someone to read is to find something that they are interested in. So we looked and hunted and then found the perfect set. All the kids in his grade (including him) love and play Minecraft. While looking around we found this 6 book series dedicated to the game that doesn’t require you to actually play (we don’t give him a lot of time to do it).

To take a look at this set CLICK HERE

(E) is another story entirely. She does love to read but at 4 she doesn’t do it on her own yet. I am looking for shorter stories that keep her invested and something that aligns with her ever changing and totally widespread interests. She has girl superhero books she loves, and she also has princess books galore. Thanks to a good friend she is not loving my little ponies so we got her this set.

To take a look at this set CLICK HERE

Something to Wear- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on November 2, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, Thoughts.., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post- All opinions expressed are my own. Some of the links included are affiliate links.

The first of the 5 Gift Challenge that I wanted to tackle was the something to wear. For my little fashonista (E) I knew this would be pretty easy. She loves clothes, and feeling pretty. For my big guy I knew it would be more of a challenge- he doesn’t really care for clothing, doesn’t get excited about it.

To complete any of the 5 gifts requires you to really start to pay attention to patterns. What are they wearing? What are they playing with? What do they enjoy? This has become fun for me to try to do.. You know what else? A super happy side effect has occurred. In the past I would do the bulk of the Christmas Shopping alone, and RNYD would pick up a few little things (stuff for me and then something for each kid). This week after I explained the plan and we decided to go ahead with it, we actually SAT AND DISCUSSED the gifts together. Decided what was a good idea and what was a bad idea. We made purchases together and it felt good.

Here’s what we chose:

Little (E), who is 4, adores her “baby dolls” AND she adores clothing. We decided to go ahead and purchase some “dollie and me” outfits for her. She is getting a pajama set and an every day outfit. See the ones we chose below:

If you are interested in purchasing you can either CLICK HERE or click on the image above.

If you are interested in purchasing you can either CLICK HERE or click the image above.

(A), who is 7, was more difficult. He’s not really “in to” what he wears. Hes concientous don’t get me wrong, but for the most part, what I buy him he will wear. I had to start paying attention to what he was choosing. This was a great tactic. This past summer he went to Lacrosse camp for the first time, and loved it. He plans to play this spring. I noticed that he chooses to wear his Vilanova Lacrosse t-shirt very often. So we decided to purchase him a Lacrosse outfit from another competitive college, Maryland.

If you are interested in purchasing you can either CLICK HERE or click the image above.

I was super worried at fist that little (E)’s “Something to Wear” was more expensive than (A)’s, and then we came to the realization that it was OK, because there are other areas of the challenge that (A) will be more “in to” that he may get a little extra from. It will all even out in the end, AND since we are really thinking about the gifts and making them more meaningful, the money portion of it doesn’t matter, what matters is that they love and appreciate their 5 gifts.

If you missed our previous post explaining our “5 Gift Challenge” Please CLICK HERE.

Christmas Wishes- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on October 23, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, Thoughts.. .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

EDIT: I originally intended to release this in November, but since it takes so much time and effort to consider, I decided to publish earlier, so you can follow our journey, and/or have time to start your own.

Every year I start early with the collection of gifts for the new Holiday Season. Each year trying tirelessly to make this year the best yet. The end result is generally a PILE of gifts under the tree. Toys that the kids appreciate and enjoy- but that overwhelm them the day of, and me for the rest of the year. Little (E) gets so overwhelmed in fact, that it usually takes her more than a week to open all her gifts. Her first “real” Christmas she opened the door, screamed and ran away crying. Do they need them? NOPE.

This year RNYD and I are trying something different. Something MORE difficult for us, and hopefully more MEANINGFUL for them. Everyone has seen on “Pinterest” the 4 gift rule. Almost everyone can recite it, or has attempted it. We felt that the list was incomplete. so we are creating the “5 gift challenge” (which a google search couldn’t find so I “think” its original). The purpose of the change is to make gifts more thoughtful, more meaningful for the kids, help them to be more appreciative, and MAYBE save some money (although this was not the main purpose of the change).

How it will work:

For each kiddo we are going to SCOUR for the following items that they will ADORE Christmas Morning.

Something they WANT
Something they NEED
Something to WEAR
Something to READ
Something to DO (here’s our big add on)

The addition of “Something to DO” stems from our love of spending time together DOING things. Going to a play, a theme park, a hike, making a project, working in the yard, the sky is the limit. Sometimes we get so caught up in our every day lives that we forget to make time to DO things as a family. Things that the kids would REALLY enjoy. I am reminded of the way they get so excited to go to LEGOLAND Discovery Center, or Diggerland (don’t forget if you want to visit these two we have discount codes). I want to make an effort to make sure that happens more often.

They will still get a stocking to open, but it will be filled with some more “useful” gifts and maybe a treat or two, nothing crazy.

Here is where it gets hard. To think of truly unique and special gifts for each child that will really make them smile this Christmas. Just this morning I started and it took me a long time, but I think I truly came up with things that BOTH kids will love to receive as “Something to Wear”. One down- four to go for each kiddo.

Happy to walk you through the process if you’d like, and let you know what I chose for each along the way… Which one do you think will be the most difficult?? Do you have any suggestions for my 7 year old boy and my 4 year old girl? Super Open to any suggestions!!!

Edit: Follow our progress for 2017 Click the links to see what we chose!

-MJ

5 Things I Need…

Posted on January 18, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Thoughts.. .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

I am tired. I try to be perfect. I am a mom.

I am no different from any other mom, but I am done.

I have learned in the past 6 years that there are things I can do, and some that I can’t. I am throwing in the towel and I am asking for help.

1.I am hiring a cleaning service– because time with my kids is so limited and so special and I don’t want to spend it mopping floors. It’s no secret that I don’t enjoy cleaning, but I do it anyway (most of the time) and I feel pressure to work and clean ALL of the time. I need to let that go and get some help.

Michelle and her crew have been coming to my house now for 2 months every other week and I couldn’t be happier. My house gets cleaned, it helps me to stay picked up, and I am more relaxed. This was such a great idea for me.

2. I am going on vacations– I am so tired of watching other people go on vacations and wondering how they afford it. I need time to unwind and enjoy life. I am making a dedicated effort to vacation 1-2 times a year with the family.

3. I am taking time to work out- when I exercise I feel better, I treat people better, I am happier. Everyone wins. It makes me WANT to go places and do things, I am not embarrassed about how I look.

4. I am going to start going out with my husband- it’s been a long time since we dated (married 12.5 years) and we totally ignore and abuse our relationship. I love my husband and I want to spend time with him – that is going to be a focus.

Sixty5 and Main – I am dying to eat here- its so cute and the menu- YUMMM!

5. I am going to start spending time with friends- I have lost a little me since becoming a mom, and my friends have too… Here’s a list of ways I am going to increase these things…

I have done this while also trying to hit number 3 -which is great :o) READ HERE
Girls relaxation day at The Wholeness Center
BYOB paint night at Jills Ceramics

Top Ten Reasons to Attend our Wellness Workshop 4/14

Posted on April 9, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Good Cause, March of Dimes, Out and about..., Specialty Items, Things to Do!, Thoughts.. .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

By: Jamie Silver, Norwex Consultant

Top Ten Reasons You Don’t Want to Miss This Workshop:

10. You get back Time

9. It’s just in time for Spring Cleaning.

8. A night out with…….Wine, prizes and giveaways….

7. Your skin needs to be summer ready– without harsh products.

6. You can learn how to clean your bathroom while your kids are in the tub and you don’t need to worry about any harmful fumes.

5. Your children can help you clean…. and this time you won’t need to redo it

4. Do you really want to miss seeing how you can clean up raw chicken with a cloth and water?

3. Time and money are precious. Coming to this presentation will save you both!

2. Wouldn’t you rather spend hundreds of dollars a year on shoes or handbags, rather than cleaning supplies?

1. You, Your Family and Your Friends all deserve a home which is a safe haven from the harmful chemicals in your household and personal care products

Come out to Wayne’s World in Nanuet on 4/14/2016 to hear more…. Bring the kids and have them make their own pizza while you learn, and play. 20% of food purchased all day goes to benefit the March of Dimes when you mention RocklandNYMom or March of Dimes.

Searching for Alternatives- My Journey

Posted on March 29, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Thoughts.., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: All opinions expressed are my own.

As you read I want you to understand that I am not telling this story for pity. I am a lucky momma, and am fully aware of how blessed I am that my daughter is and will continue to be just fine. Everyone has a story and this is mine.

I was a lucky momma with two very conventional pregnancies. Like other mommas I did everything I was told. I ate only what was recommended, was careful to be safe with everything. I took my role as carrier and protector VERY seriously. I read books, I planned, I organized, I was ready.

Both (A) and (E) were great babies. At 14 days old things changed a bit for little (E). We discovered a dermatological issue (called a Hemangioma) that landed us in the hospital for 5 days. During those days little (E) was titrated onto a medication that she would have to take until she was at least 1 year old. Additionally, because these marks are often indicators that there are underlying issues she was put through almost every test under the sun.

These tests uncovered several other issues including a tethered spinal cord (which she had spine surgery on at 15 months and is doing fine). It led to having specialists that I never knew existed, and at least monthly trips to the city to see them. Thank God most her issues are what are called “normal anomalies” things that she will “grow out of”. Looking at or spending time with her, you would NEVER know.

Most recently we found that she has several allergies, and asthma, which has contributed to several hospital stays, and many changes around my house.

My mother actually raised me homeopathically. As a child we were vaccinated, but went to see a special doctor who treated ailments with more natural methods. Not that she didn’t or doesn’t believe in modern medicine (we had antibiotics when absolutely necessary). I of course share many of the same beliefs.

I was adamant that my children be breastfed for the first year of life, when (A) didn’t latch I made it happen and exclusively pumped for a year. (Special thanks to RNYD who supported me completely).
I made all of their baby food (see our feeding baby page for how).
I don’t like to give my children medication when I don’t have to.

I in no way think that these things make me a better mom than any other mother out there. It makes me the type of mom I wanted to be.

Naturally, I was a little disappointed when (E) needed several medications long term. I do however see the necessity and she has taken them as she has needed.

I have though started looking into other ways to keep the kiddies healthy since. Not wanting to add to the medications and chemicals that they are exposed to has led me to several different changes.

I installed a water softener in the house.
I have tried to use more natural cleaners.
The kids have an extra heap-filter in their room, as does our new vacuum, and we have the extra filter on our central air.
I use essential oils for immunity as well as for when they are sick (unless it gets really serious and they need medical attention.)
I have them in classes that help them develop necessary skills for fine and gross motor movement, as well as good health habits (mental and physical).

This has led me to a place where I would like to share some of my experience and the things that I have found with you all. I am going to host a variety of “Wellness Workshops” for parents where you can come and learn about some of the things I have used (or do). Admission is free, and there will be some where you can purchase the items discussed. Mostly though, you can get answers to questions and learn (while meeting other like minded parents in the area).

If you are interested in learning more, make sure to watch our Facebook Feed as well as our Events Page for dates, times and details as space will be limited. We will hold multiples of each if there is interest, but would like to keep things smaller and more intimate when possible (oh and we are doing our best to have children’s activities available as well).

Mark your calendar and keep an eye out for our first workshop on 4/14 at 6:00 at Wayne’s World in Nanuet. Facebook event as well as a full explanation to come this week!!!